Stress and Anxiety: Talking to your Child

Would you like to reassure your child that anxiety and stress are normal, and temporary, feelings? Here are some books in our library collection to share with your child to explain what they are feeling is okay, how to feel better, and learn about techniques people use to work through those feelings.

Wemberly Worried is a picturebook by Kevin Henkes, a master author/artist documentarian of childhood concerns. Wemberly successfully navigates through her first day of school with great support from her family, her teacher, and a new friend. Henkes uses gentle, wry humor and super sensitivity in all his books.

The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook for Kids, by Lawrence Shapiro and Robin Sprague, is a book filled with 55 activities for the whole family to help ‘reduce stress, fear & worry, become more confident, relaxed & resilient, and manage difficult emotions’.

Wallace’s Lists is a picturebook by Barara Bottner and Gerald Kruglik, and shy mouse Wallace experiences some adventures not included on his lists and makes a friend while learning not to control everything.

The Anxiety Workbook for Teens, by Lisa Schab, invites teens to ‘control anxiety and feel calm in the face of everyday problems, to develop a positive self-image and to seek help when you need it’.